Record Donations Raised For Diabetes Research

Thousands hit Glen Cove downtown for Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock

Whether you love exotic cars or care about medical innovation, Glen Cove was the place to be on Sunday, Sept. 9, as the entire downtown was filled with more than 700 show vehicles, bringing in record proceeds for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation - a record $91,000 for the DRI and its research efforts.

Car enthusiasts at the fourth annual Gold Coast Concours/Bimmerstock event, presented by Martino Auto Concepts/MAC Auto Couture of Glen Cove and SONY, could not be disappointed. There were more than 700 exotics and fine vehicles from the world’s most desired marquees on display along with dozens of automobile dealerships and vendors showing off an array of autos and accessories.

Thousands of auto fans strolled downtown Glen Cove to admire classic racers and handmade super-exotics.

While the day showcased Ferraris, Rolls Royces, Porsches, Mercedes and customized BMWs, in addition to several very limited edition cars such as a Lola, Enzo Ferrari and several Ferrari Challenge racers, cars were not the sole attraction. The day featured great food, live music from the talented young musicians from the School of Rock and a number of fabulous sweepstake prizes that were raffled off.

“From a single conversation, this event has grown into one of the largest automobile shows in the area. This event attracts car enthusiasts and vendors from around the country and with our Diabetes Research Institute relationship we know that everything we do helps fund the effort to find a cure,” said Joe LaPadula of Martino Auto Concepts, the organizer of the event.

The program began with DRIF LI Region Chairman of the Board, Allan L. Pashcow, thanking Joe LaPadula and Derek Pasch, from Martino Auto Concepts, creators of the event, SONY, the event’s Platinum Sponsor and other event sponsors. He then went on to acknowledge Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi, local elected officials, Michael Puntillo for donating the use of the village square, and the event committee for all they did to create such an amazing day.

Special thanks were extended to DRIF board members, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Bruce Waller for all of their help organizing the event.

Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton presented Dara Melnick with a citation for all she has done to support the DRI. Melnick spoke about her battle with type 1 diabetes and let the crowd know how thankful she was for the event’s organizers and attendees.

Pashcow went on to ask Joe LaPadula and Derek Pasch to the stage and presented them with an award of appreciation.

A certificate of appreciation was also presented to Glen Cove Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi for all the work he, the City of Glen Cove and its officials did to support event.

Presenting sponsors for the event were: Martino Auto Concepts/MAC Auto Couture, SONY Corporation; Gold Sponsors: The Bristal, Competition BMW, Lomotion, PPG Single Source, and Rallye BMW; Silver Sponsors: Anchor Audi, BMW of Bayside, Ecybermedia Inc., Habberstad BMW, Hassel BMW & Mini, 3M , VOS Motorsports, Laffey Associates and Leone Homes.

The Diabetes Research Institute, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, visit www.DiabetesResearch.org or call 822-1700.